Korean carmaker Kia has just revealed its Kia Stonic compact SUV, ahead of the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show which could very well be headed to India. The Kia Stonic is based on the company's Kia Rio hatchback and distinguishes itself with more rugged styling and modern cabin features such as Apple CarPlay integration. The Kia Stonic will be offered in four engine options including a 1-litre turbocharged three-cylinder T-GDI engine producing 120PS, 1.25-litre and 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol, as well as a 1.6-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. When it is launched in the UK before the end of 2017, the Kia Stonic will be priced at £ 14,000 (Rs 11.92 lakh approximately). The Stonic will compete with the Nissan Juke, Hyundai Kona, and the Renault Captur, which is also headed to India later this year. The Kia Stonic could compete with the Hyundai Creta, Renault Captur, and the Jeep Compass, and could be the ideal product for the Korean carmaker's foray into the Indian market. In the company's line-up, the Kia Stonic is positioned below the bigger Kia Sportage and Kia Sorento SUVs.

Kia Stonic could compete with Renault Captur, Hyundai Creta and Jeep Compass when it is launched in India.

In terms of styling, the hatchback-based Kia Stonic compact crossover has a raised body, sharp creases, and kinks around the door sills and plastic cladding along the bottom edge of the car, as well as on the wheel arches to give it a tougher look. Up front, the compact SUV gets a 'tiger nose' and swept-back headlamps. The Stonic also gets a Targa-style roof to add some flair to its design. Inside, Kia claims the Stonic's cabin will have class-leading shoulder room and a modern 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The boot on the Kia Stonic with a 352-litre capacity also has a step floor which can be extended or shrunk to fit the owner's usage. With a fast-growing compact SUV market in India as in the world, the Kia Stonic could be a fresh face wit